Description
This Pina Colada Pound Cake captures the tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, and rum in a moist, dense cake perfect for dessert or special occasions. Creamy butter and sugar are combined with crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and fragrant extracts, baked to golden perfection, then finished with a sweet pineapple glaze accented with a hint of rum and toasted coconut garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)
- Toasted coconut for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
- Mix in Wet Flavorings: Stir in the sour cream, coconut extract, vanilla extract, pineapple juice, and dark rum if using. These ingredients enhance the tropical flavor profile and moisture of the cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
- Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Gently fold the crushed pineapple and shredded sweetened coconut into the batter, spreading the tropical ingredients evenly throughout.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into your greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess from trapped steam.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and dark rum (if using) until smooth. This glaze adds an extra punch of pineapple sweetness and a shiny finish.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- For a richer tropical flavor, substitute coconut cream for sour cream in the batter.
- This cake is beautifully suited for a bundt pan to create a decorative shape that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired